Preparing for the Capital District’s biggest Fourth of July fireworks display

John Flanagan, a pyrotechnician with Alonzo Fireworks Display, Inc., of Mechanicville, explains how he and his colleagues prepare for the annual New York State Fourth of July Celebration at the Empire State Plaza, in Albany, N.Y., on Thursday July 3, 2014.
Mike McMahon - The Record

ALBANY >> While Capital District residents are getting ready to celebrate their country’s anniversary of independence, the Empire State Plaza is also preparing for the region’s largest birthday bash.

The 39th annual New York State Fourth of July Celebration will take place today at the Empire State Plaza in Albany from 3 to 10 p.m. The event, which is free and open to the public, draws more than 30,000 people each Independence Day.

This year, Memphis soul group Gedeon Luke and The People will kick off the show, followed by headliner Felix Cavaliere, who earned his place in music history as the keyboard player and vocalist for 60s pop-rock sensation The Rascals. The group was famous for a string of hits from 1965 through 1969 including “Good Lovin’,’” “Groovin’,” “A Girl Like You,” “A Beautiful Morning,” and “People Got to Be Free.”

While the live music may end, the tunes will continue through the entire fireworks display. The show, which begins at 9:15 p.m., is set to a variety of music, from patriotic classics to today’s pop hits.

Advertisement

Third generation company Alonzo Fireworks Display, Inc., of Mechanicville, has been the official fireworks provider for over two decades, pyrotechnician John Flanagan said Thursday as he set up the structures. The company has been preparing the 10,000-shell and 30-minute long show—its biggest job of the year—for months.

The genius behind the scenes is electrical engineer Scott Smith of Cobra Firing Systems, based in Saratoga Springs. The pyro enthusiast made it possible for the state’s annual fireworks display to be executed through a wireless system. This will be the second year the plaza has used Cobra Firing Systems.

Its creators upped the ante this year, prepping the show’s largest finale ever. “We added over 400 shells just in the finale alone,” Flanagan said. There’s no questioning, “It’s the biggest show in the Capital District.”

The game plan: “We’re going to hit them hard in the beginning and hit them hard at the end,” Flanagan said.

Overall, festival-goers will see 10,000 explosions in the sky tonight, as spectators enjoy the show from many different viewing points throughout the city and beyond.

“It’s bigger and better every year,” said Heather Groll, public information officer for New York State’s Office of General Services. “Alonzo outdoes himself every single year. You never know what to expect.”

Before the evening’s main attractions, the Empire State Plaza offers a fun-filled day for visitors and residents alike.

The festivities begin at 3 p.m. with a patriotic ceremony, during which ten new citizens will be naturalized. “It’s always a really emotional really good way to start the day,” Groll said. “It makes you smile and feel good about being an American.”

For kids, special alcohol and tobacco-free zones will be designated, with a bounce house, pony rides, miniature golf and other activities for families.

Aside from freedom and patriotism, food and drink are a major part of the festival, too. Title sponsor Price Chopper will have its House of BBQ products for sale, alongside many hot dog, fried dough and pizza vendors. For those 21 and older, New York State beer and wine will be sold as well.

Schenectady-based supermarket chain Price Chopper has presented the event since America’s bicentennial celebration in 1976. Since then, while state has taken over organization of the event, Price Chopper still funds the celebration. The private-state partnership is what makes the event such a growing success year in and year out. “This wouldn’t happen without their help,” Groll said.

“It’s become a tradition after 39 years,” said Mona Golub, Price Chopper’s vice president of public relations and consumer services. “It really is one of the largest, most cross-generational and enjoyable gatherings in our greater community,” she said.

To avoid traffic and parking issues, Groll suggests arriving early, carpooling or utilizing public transportation, which will have special routes for the event.